National News
Nearly 40 U.S. dioceses sign up to participate in #GivingTuesday Dec. 3
Thirty-nine U.S. archdioceses and dioceses plan to participate in this year's #iGiveCatholic online giving day Dec. 3 to raise funds for 3,600 Catholic organizations.
What influence does religion have on Americans’ lives?
A new Pew poll has revealed Americans' attitudes regarding religion in civil life. One finding: Catholics polled second highest among Christians in saying churches should keep out of political matters.
CLINIC director: Government violates law by not letting in asylum-seekers
The executive director of the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, known as CLINIC, told U.S. Catholic bishops Nov. 13 that the government is violating international and U.S. law when it denies asylum-seekers at the border entry into the U.S.
Wenski: Being pro-immigrant is ‘living’ Christ’s call to welcome stranger
At a University of Miami Forum on Religion and Public Life, Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski of Miami affirmed the rights and dignity of migrants -- from Syrian refugees to Mexican asylees -- drawing upon his 18 years of advocacy for Miami's Haitian community.
Tone somber at prayer vigil for those facing execution in weeks ahead
Nearly 100 people gathered to pray for the federal death-row inmates and all those affected by their pending executions scheduled for December and January at the Federal Correctional Complex in Terre Haute.
Pastoral against racism is starting conversations, healing
The U.S. bishops' pastoral letter against racism is not sitting on a shelf. It is the basis for listening sessions in dioceses around the country and is an educational tool for individuals, schools and parishes.
Catholic Charities USA striving to ease chronic homelessness
An experimental program of the national agency's healthy housing initiative is collaborating with diocesan Catholic Charities, parishes, local funders and others to deliver broad services for homeless people.
Women parishioners use Bible program to help church rebuild
In the wake of the sex abuse crisis, women such as those at a Connecticut parish are helping to heal the church and deepen their relationship with Christ by becoming a Walking With Purpose parish.
Third-party reporting system for church may start in February
A system to field sexual misconduct allegations against bishops could be in place by the end of February, a USCCB official said. The date would be ahead of Pope Francis' deadline of May 31.
U.S. bishops examine challenges faced by church, society
During their Nov. 11-13 meeting in Baltimore, the U.S. bishops spoke of their efforts to help immigrants, youth and young adults, pregnant women and the poor as well their steps to combat gun violence and racism.